DIY conveyancing is legal in Australia, but not risk-free, especially for first-home buyers.
One missed contract clause could cost thousands or delay settlement.
Aussie offers affordable conveyancing built for first-home buyers, not just seasoned investors.
Our conveyancers work closely with your broker and lender to ensure everything remains in sync.
PEXA access, contract reviews, and legal protection are included when you go pro.
Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with numerous moving parts, especially on the legal side. If you're trying to keep costs down, you might wonder whether you need to pay for a conveyancer or if DIY conveyancing is a way to save a few bucks.
At face value, it might seem doable. There are online templates, YouTube walkthroughs and advice from well-meaning friends. But conveyancing isn't just about filling out forms; it's a detailed legal process with big financial consequences if anything goes wrong.
Mistakes such as missing a key contract clause, underestimating stamp duty, or failing to register your name correctly on the title can cause delays, disputes, or even derail your settlement.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what DIY conveyancing involves, when it may be an option, and why even experienced property buyers usually leave it to the professionals. We'll also show you how Aussie makes it easy to stay on top of the legal side with affordable conveyancing support that works seamlessly alongside your broker and lender.
If you're weighing up whether to go it alone or get expert help, we're here to break it down simply so you can move forward with confidence.
What is DIY conveyancing?
When you're buying your first home, it's natural to look for ways to save money, and you might come across DIY conveyancing. On the surface, it sounds doable. You're organised, comfortable with paperwork, and keen to avoid another bill. However, before you roll up your sleeves, it's worth understanding what's involved and what could go wrong if things don't go as planned.
So, what is conveyancing?
Conveyancing is the legal process that transfers ownership of a property from the seller to you. It kicks off once your offer is accepted and runs right through to settlement day, the moment the keys are officially yours. Along the way, there's a fair amount to cover: reviewing the contract of sale, checking for caveats or easements, confirming the title, coordinating with your lender, and ensuring that every document is completed and lodged on time.
Can you legally do it yourself?
In most states and territories, this is the case. DIY conveyancing is legal if you're buying or selling in your name and the transaction is fairly standard. That means no unusual contract terms, no shared titles, and no legal complications, such as strata disputes or family transfers.
However, "legal" doesn't always mean easy or risk-free. Even small mistakes (such as missing a key deadline or overlooking a contractual condition) can cause delays, derail your finances, or, worse, result in the loss of the property altogether. It's one of the main reasons most professionals don't recommend going solo, especially for first-home buyers.
What's the difference between DIY and using a professional?
Here's how the two options compare:
With a solicitor or licensed conveyancer: | If you do it yourself: |
|---|---|
They handle the legal legwork and double-check everything for you. | You'll need to manage every step, from contract reviews and title searches to settlement coordination. |
They explain the contract of sale and flag any red flags. | You'll need to understand property law, electronic settlement platforms (such as Property Exchange Australia or PEXA), and the specific rules applicable in your state or territory. |
They work directly with your broker, lender and the seller's rep to keep everything on track. | There's no insurance safety net. If you make an error, you bear the cost. |
They manage time-sensitive steps and lodge documents correctly. | |
They're backed by professional indemnity insurance, which gives you peace of mind if something goes wrong. |
Why does it matter for first-home buyers?
When it's your first time buying, the learning curve is already steep. Between home loan paperwork, inspections, valuations, and figuring out how much to borrow, adding legal complexity to the list can be overwhelming and risky. DIY conveyancing might save you a few hundred dollars upfront, but a single missed detail can end up costing far more in the long run.
That's why so many first-home buyers choose expert support from the start.
Who's most likely to consider DIY conveyancing?
DIY conveyancing can sound like a quick way to cut costs, but it's not the right move for everyone. That said, there are a few groups of buyers and sellers who tend to look into it, each for their own reasons. Let's unpack who they are and what they need to consider before diving in.
First-home buyers trying to keep costs down. If you're buying your first home, chances are you're already counting every dollar. Between saving your deposit, covering lender fees, booking inspections, and paying for the move, the idea of skipping a $1,500–$2,000 conveyancer bill can seem tempting.
You might be thinking: "I've done the research, I've got the contract. How hard can it be?"
But conveyancing isn't just about filling in forms. It's about identifying legal red flags, meeting tight deadlines, and knowing how to respond when unexpected issues arise. If you're already navigating loan approval and building reports for the first time, adding legal responsibility into the mix can quickly become overwhelming.
In short, there are easier ways to save money during your first property purchase. This probably isn't the place to cut corners.
Seasoned property investors. Experienced investors often feel comfortable handling simple property transactions independently. They've been through the process before, understand the steps, and might feel confident tackling a simple deal, especially if they've got professionals they can call on for support. But even the most experienced investors will tell you: a single mistake can unravel everything.
That's why many still choose to work with a licensed conveyancer or solicitor. It's not just about convenience; it's about legal protection. Professionals carry indemnity insurance, which means if something goes wrong, you're not left carrying the cost.
Even if you know the process inside out, the safety net matters.
Sellers of land or simple transfers. Selling a vacant block or transferring a property to a family member might seem like a simpler process. There's no house to inspect, no buyer financing to coordinate, and maybe no urgency on timelines. In these cases, some sellers do explore the DIY path, especially if the buyer is someone they already know.
But even "simple" property transfers involve contract checks, title reviews, and state-specific lodging requirements. Miss something (like a document deadline or a zoning quirk) and you could face avoidable delays or disputes. That's where a conveyancer steps in to keep the wheels turning smooth.
If you're not 100% confident in reading legal contracts, understanding property titles, navigating PEXA, or meeting state-based settlement timelines, DIY conveyancing may not be worth the stress.
What are the risks of DIY conveyancing?
DIY conveyancing may seem like a smart way to save some money. But without the legal know-how, even a small misstep can lead to major setbacks or a costly surprise right when you least expect it.
The risks aren’t always obvious upfront. If everything seems straightforward, it’s easy to think that you’ve got everything under control. However, every property transaction involves a lengthy list of legal steps, timelines, and compliance requirements that must be completed correctly and on time.
Here’s where DIY conveyancing often goes off track and why buyers choose to get expert help.
Missed contract clauses: The contract of sale is the legal backbone of your property purchase. If you miss or misunderstand key clauses (like finance approval conditions or building and pest contingencies), you could end up locked into a deal without protections, even if something big comes up. A conveyancer knows exactly what to look for and will raise red flags before they become deal-breakers.
Title transfer mistakes: The title transfer process isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. Every detail (such as names, legal descriptions, and lot numbers) needs to be accurate. A single error can delay settlement, cause disputes, or, in some cases, invalidate the transfer altogether. Getting it right the first time matters, and it’s where a conveyancer’s experience makes a real difference.
Lodgement and PEXA issues: Most settlements in Australia are now completed electronically using PEXA. However, unless you’re already set up with PEXA access (via an authorised intermediary), you may encounter difficulties during lodgement. This is a common DIY stumbling block, and it can lead to missed deadlines or settlement delays, which may result in financial penalties.
Settlement delays: When conveyancing is delayed, it’s not just about pushing back your move-in date. You could face penalty interest, breach of contract notices, or, in the worst case, lose the property. Something as simple as missing a paperwork deadline or not having final loan approval sorted can unravel weeks of work and leave you out of pocket.
Financial and legal liability: If something happens, there’s no insurance to protect you. Licensed conveyancers and solicitors carry professional indemnity cover, so if something goes wrong, you’re protected.
Remember, DIY conveyancing means you take the risk. No coverage. No safety net. Just you and the consequences. For most first-home buyers, the small savings you might get from doing it yourself aren’t worth the potential fallout.
What appears to be an $800 shortcut can quickly turn into a $5,000 mistake or worse.
What does a conveyancer do that you might miss?
You might be thinking, 'I'm organised.' I've got a checklist. How hard can this be? However, the truth is that a professional conveyancer isn't just there to tick boxes. They're there to catch problems before they become problems and keep your purchase moving forward with confidence.
Here's what a conveyancer does that often goes unnoticed when buyers try to do it themselves.
Reviewing legal documents with a trained eye. Contracts aren't light reading; they're packed with legal terms, deadlines, and potential pitfalls. A professional knows what's standard, what's risky, and what's worth negotiating. They'll review every clause for hidden traps or red flags, flag anything that puts you at risk, and request changes where needed before you sign anything.
It's not just about what's written; it's about understanding what it means for you.
Running detailed title and zoning searches. You don't want surprises after settlement, such as discovering your dream backyard has an easement running through it, or that heritage restrictions block your renovation plans. Your conveyancer will review the title details and property boundaries, identify any easements, caveats, or zoning issues, and ensure the property is suitable for its intended use. They help you buy with eyes wide open, not just based on the listing.
Calculating and adjusting settlement costs. When you settle, you'll often need to account for expenses such as council rates, water usage, strata fees, and land tax. Your conveyancer ensures that these costs are fairly split between the buyer and the seller. It's easy to get wrong, and without this step, you could end up paying for the previous owner's bills.
Coordinating with everyone involved. A good conveyancer keeps the whole purchase ticking along by acting as your go-between. They work with your lender or broker, the seller's solicitor, and the settlement agent or PEXA platform. This behind-the-scenes work keeps everyone aligned and ensures deadlines are met, which is crucial in today's fast-paced market.
Lodging documents and managing PEXA. Whether it's done online or on paper, property settlement involves formal legal lodgements. Your conveyancer will lodge documents correctly, manage transactions through PEXA (which DIY buyers can't access directly), and triple-check every detail (because one typo can delay your settlement).
Staying compliant with state regulations. Every state and territory has its unique conveyancing laws and timelines. Your conveyancer is familiar with local rules inside and out, ensures all papers meet legal requirements, and helps you avoid penalties, missed deadlines or non-compliance.
Most importantly, they carry professional indemnity insurance, so if something does go wrong, you're protected. DIY? Not so much.
Conveyancing isn't just admin. It's legal expertise, risk management, and coordination all rolled into one. It's the glue that holds your home purchase together and helps you avoid costly slip-ups.
Can DIY conveyancing save buyers money?
When you’re buying your first home, it’s natural to look for ways to save. You’ve already made a deposit, covered upfront costs, and secured your loan, so when you see a conveyancer quoting $800 to $2,000, you might wonder: Can I do it myself and save the money?
It’s a fair question, and while the answer is technically yes, it’s not always the win you expect. Let’s unpack what it really costs.
What does conveyancing usually cost?
In Australia, most buyers pay between $800 and $2,000 for the services of a licensed conveyancer or solicitor. The cost depends on the state or territory you’re buying in, how complex the contract is, whether you’re buying a house, unit, or off-the-plan property, and any extras like contract reviews.
On the surface, DIY conveyancing might seem like an easy way to cut that cost. But here’s what many buyers don’t realise. DIY isn’t “free”, and it isn’t risk-free. Even if you skip the professional fee, there are still out-of-pocket costs and a fair bit of legwork. Additionally, if something goes wrong, you may be left to sort it out (and pay for it) on your own.
Here’s what DIY conveyancing often involves:
Title and zoning search fees: You’ll still need to order the same property searches a professional would: title details, zoning, and council rates. These can set you back $200–$500, depending on your location.
PEXA access (through someone else): Most settlements now happen through PEXA, Australia’s electronic settlement platform. But you can’t access it directly unless you’re authorised. You’ll need to pay a third party to do this for you.
Legal advice (if things go wrong): If you miss a contract condition or run into a dispute, you could be forced to call in a solicitor. Most charge $ 300 or more an hour, and those costs add up quickly.
The “false economy” trap: Saving a few hundred dollars on fees might feel smart, but it’s not worth it if one small error ends up costing you thousands.
Here's how the two options compare:
| DIY Conveyancing | Professional Conveyancer |
|---|---|---|
Conveyancer fee | $0 | $800–$2,000 |
Title/zoning searches | $200–$500 (out-of-pocket) | Often included or billed at cost |
PEXA access | $100–$300 (via third party) | Included |
Legal risk | Buyer holds full liability | Covered by professional insurance |
Legal help if needed | $300+/hour (extra) | Included in the service |
Time and stress | High (You're doing it all.) | Low (Managed by the professional) |
Peace of mind | Low | High |
Whether it’s missing a settlement deadline or overlooking a contract clause, the financial fallout from DIY mistakes can far outweigh the initial savings. Unless you’re legally trained and happy to shoulder the risk, DIY conveyancing can be more stress than it’s worth.
In many cases, it ultimately proves more costly.
You might also be interested in: Conveyancing fees and costs
When is DIY conveyancing possible (but still risky)?
At Aussie, we’ll always advocate for expert support, especially when you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life. However, in the spirit of being honest with you, there are a few situations where DIY conveyancing might be legally permissible and slightly less risky than usual.
That said, “less risky” doesn’t mean safe. Even the simplest property transfers can come with legal curveballs. So if you’re thinking about going it alone, here’s when it might be worth a second look and where to tread carefully.
Sales between family members: Transferring a property to a parent, sibling or child? Buying from a relative in a private deal? These transactions are usually more straightforward, with no agents, no intense negotiations, and both parties are often flexible.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a free pass. You’ll still need to review the contract properly, lodge transfer forms correctly, and understand duties, exemptions, and timelines in your state. Remember, even family sales can encounter snags when it comes to stamp duty, land tax, or capital gains, and things can get complicated if expectations aren’t set.
Buying vacant land with no strings attached: Purchasing an empty block? If the land is free from easements or caveats, not part of a strata or off-the-plan development, or located in an area with straightforward zoning, the contract may be simpler.
There’s no building to inspect, and fewer parties are involved. However, you’ll still need to verify that the title is clear, that boundaries are accurate, and that no zoning overlays or restrictions will impact your plans. One missed clause could halt your build or delay it by months.
You’ve got a legal background and know the ropes: This one’s rare, but if you’ve worked in property law, contract management, or conveyancing, you might feel confident navigating it solo.
However, even then, most legal professionals still engage a conveyancer when it involves their property deal. Why? Because they know how easy it is to miss a detail under pressure. So, unless you’ve handled contracts before, used platforms like PEXA, or understood compliance, legal lingo and timing inside out, it’s probably faster (and safer) to leave it to the experts.
Just because you can do your conveyancing doesn’t always mean you should. Even the ‘easy’ ones come with rules, deadlines, and legal paperwork, and one small mistake can cost more than the fee you were trying to save.
You might also be interested in: When should I make an offer on a house?
A better alternative: Affordable, professional conveyancing
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, and it already comes with its fair share of administrative tasks. That’s why Aussie offers a conveyancing service that’s built to take the stress out of settlement, so you don’t have to do it alone.
Here’s why more first-home buyers are handing it over to the experts.
Designed for first-home buyers, not just seasoned investors. We know budget matters when you’re buying your first place. Between the deposit, inspections, moving costs and loan fees, it’s only natural to look for ways to cut back. That’s why Aussie’s conveyancing service is priced with first-time buyers in mind, giving you expert legal support without the premium price tag.
Getting the right help shouldn’t feel like a luxury.
Simple, digital, and streamlined. There’s no pile of paperwork on the kitchen table. No confusing calls back and forth. With Aussie, everything from ID checks to contract reviews is handled digitally, and you’ll receive clear updates along the way. It’s all about cutting complexity, not corners.
Handled by professionals. This isn’t a learning curve you need to climb. Behind the scenes, you’ve got licensed legal professionals who’ve done this thousands of times. They’ll review your contract, manage all the moving parts, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Unlike DIY conveyancing, you’re backed by insurance, experience, and expert eyes, not just good intentions.
Integrated with your Aussie Broker and lender. No need to chase different people or re-explain your situation ten times. Your Aussie Broker, lender and conveyancer all work together, sharing updates and keeping your loan and legal process in sync.
When everyone’s on the same page, things move faster and more smoothly.
DIY conveyancing might seem like a clever shortcut. But when you look at what’s at stake (think legal liability, contract clauses, settlement delays), it’s easy to see why so many buyers choose expert support instead.
With Aussie, you’re making your home buying journey simpler, safer and more supported. Everything you need to find, buy and own, including conveyancing that has your back.